Live Arrival Guarantee

Shop with confidence!
Massive Selection

New Corals added all the time
Sign up

Never miss a SALE
chevron_left chevron_right

Winter Coral Shipping Guide: Safe Delivery in Cold Weather

🧊 Winter Shipping Guide: Protecting Your Corals from the Cold

📦 1. Monitor Weather Conditions

Before shipping, always check the weather forecast for both our location and the recipient's. Monitor UPS hubs in Louisville, KY and Rockford, IL, as delays and exposure can occur in these locations. If winter storms are expected, delay the shipment to avoid risk.

📦 2. Use High-Quality Insulated Shipping Boxes

We use 1.5-inch foam coolers like those used for medical shipments. These help maintain internal temperatures and keep cold air out.

🔥 3. Heat Packs Are Essential

We only use 40-hour heat packs to keep corals warm through overnight delivery. Shorter heat packs can overheat and cause harm.

📦 4. Pack Corals Securely

Use strong bags, double-bag them, and minimize air to reduce sloshing. Add cushioning and a cardboard barrier between coral and heat packs.

🏷️ 5. Label Your Package Clearly

Use “Live Coral” and “Fragile” stickers. Add a note with unpacking instructions for first-time recipients if needed.

🚚 6. Choose the Right Shipping Service

Always ship corals with UPS Next Day Air. Avoid any economy or multi-day service options.

📞 7. Communicate with the Recipient

Notify the customer of the tracking number and delivery time. If they can’t be home, have the package held at UPS or received by someone else.

🌡️ 8. Acclimate Corals Upon Arrival

  1. Float sealed bags in the tank for 30+ minutes to match temperatures.
  2. Add small amounts of tank water to the bag for 30–60 minutes.
  3. Place corals in the tank. Avoid drip acclimation until after floating.

📝 Final Thoughts

With careful planning and good shipping practices, you can protect your livestock from winter stress. We ship with the highest quality materials and methods to ensure your corals arrive thriving.

🔗 Helpful Links